COMMUNICATION

Apr

2024

Communication Tools for Leaders

Relationships are difficult, and they can be even more difficult in the workplace. Communication is one of the biggest challenges faced by organizations and teams. When I want to grow a relationship, one of the early questions I ask others is what communication format they prefer and use most often.

Effective communication within your team is crucial for success as a leader. Because of technology, numerous tools and platforms are available to facilitate communication. Let’s explore leveraging technology to communicate effectively within your organization.

Chat and Messaging Apps

One of the easiest and most effective ways to communicate within your team is through chat and messaging apps. These platforms provide quick and immediate communication, making it easier for your team to stay connected and collaborate in real-time. Apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or even WhatsApp provide a centralized location for team members to engage in discussions, share files, and provide updates on project progress.

These tools are also a resource on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. When interacting with people outside your team through one of these methods, ensure they are familiar with and use this platform. Using these platforms will streamline communication for your team and ensure everyone stays informed and connected, no matter where they are located.

Project Management Tools

Keeping track of various tasks and projects within your team can be difficult, especially if you have team members working remotely. Consider implementing project management tools such as Asana or Trello to address this challenge. These platforms allow you to create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor project progress in real-time.

Project management tools can also facilitate effective communication by providing a central hub for team members to share updates, ask questions, and provide feedback on ongoing projects. If your team does not yet need something as intricate, create a shared calendar such as Google Calendar and provide team deadlines and meetings. Utilizing these tools ensures that all team members are on the same page and working towards common goals.

Video Conferencing

Since the pandemic, virtual meetings have become more common for many businesses. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet allow for face-to-face communication, even when team members are not physically present in the same location. If the communication would best be done face to face, but time and travel prevent it then this is your best tool.

Virtual meetings can be an effective way to discuss important issues, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate on projects. They also offer the opportunity for team members to engage in non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language, which can be important for building rapport and understanding and increasing trust within your team.

Foster an Open Communication Culture

While technology plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, fostering an open communication culture within your team is equally important. Encourage team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns openly, and provide a platform for them to do so. Knowing some of the abovementioned options can help you consider how to best connect with your team.

Whether through regular team meetings, open forums, or anonymous feedback tools, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves will lead to more effective communication and better teamwork.

These were just a few technological tools available to help you communicate. As you consider your team and their preferences, which tool would help you communicate and, more importantly, connect with your team to increase trust and keep communication open? How will you implement it? Need help thinking into this? Contact me for a no cost to you coaching session to help you think into your business. Lead well!

Jan

2024

Four Leadership Principles from the Life of MLK

Each year when we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. I like to explore his leadership and share some leadership lessons we can learn. Dr. King was a true visionary and his approach to leadership has left a lasting impact on the world. His passion and vision were two of the most evident leadership qualities, but let’s explore what else we can learn.

Commitment

One of the most notable aspects of his leadership was his unwavering commitment to his cause. He was incredibly passionate about achieving equality and justice for all, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make that vision a reality. One example is the fact that he went to jail 29 times. This level of passion and dedication is something that every business leader can aspire to. When you are truly passionate about your business and your goals, it becomes much easier to inspire and motivate your team to achieve greatness.

Communicator

In addition to his commitment, Martin Luther King Jr. was also an incredibly effective communicator. He had a way with words that was both powerful and compelling. His famous “I Have a Dream” speech is a perfect example of this.

In his book Martin Luther King Jr. On Leadership Donald Phillips highlights a number of reasons why public speaking is crucial for a leader. A few that I think are critical to our leadership as leaders are:

Building support and enthusiasm
Inspiring people to take action
Keeping the team informed on the leaders actions
Educate, persuade and sell people on new ideas
Clearly identify the values of the organization¹

Composure

Another important aspect of Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership style was his ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. Although he was thrown in jail 29 times, violently attacked, received threatening phone calls, and even his home was bombed,² he never wavered in his ability to maintain poised. As a business leader, you will face challenges and setbacks. By emulating Martin Luther King Jr.’s ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, you can lead your team through tough times with grace and confidence.

Strategic Planner and Organizer

Dr. King was a master of strategic planning and organizing. He mobilized thousands of people to participate in peaceful protests and marches, all with the goal of effecting change. As a business leader, it’s crucial to be able to plan and organize your team effectively in order to achieve your business objectives. Not only this, but like Dr. King, go with them as you execute the plan.

As you look at these four areas, which one do you need to grow in this week? Take time to think of one action step you can take to lead with greater commitment and composer or improve your communication and planning skills. Need help growing in your leadership? Contact me for a no cost to you coaching session. Lead well.

Phillips, Donald T. Martin Luther King Jr. On Leadership. Warner Books, NY. 1999.
https://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/evans/his135/events/king68/king68.htm#:~:text=King%20faced%20many%20obstacles%20while,and%20he%20was%20even%20stabbed retrieved 1/15/24

Oct

2023

Supercharge Your Team’s Performance: Create a Communication Structure that Works

Effective communication is the key to success in the fast-paced world of leading. Without it, misunderstandings, conflicts, and missed opportunities can abound. As the team leader, establishing a well-structured communication system will reduce these problems. In this blog, I will share ideas for creating a robust communication structure to transform your team into a harmonious powerhouse. Let’s get started!

Define Clear Objectives and Expectations

To foster effective communication, begin by setting clear objectives and expectations. Transparency and clarity provide a roadmap for your team. Clearly define the purpose, goals, and performance indicators of every project. When everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities, there is no room for ambiguity.

Encourage Open Dialogue and Active Listening

Strong communication is a two-way street. Develop an environment that encourages open dialogue and freedom to express concerns. This allows for diverse perspectives and promotes innovative solutions. Remember, active listening is crucial. This skill helps team members understand each other’s viewpoints and strengthens collaborations.

Establish Formal Communication Channels

Formal communication channels ensure messages are handled effectively and avoid getting lost. Regularly scheduled team meetings, newsletters, and status reports are excellent avenues for sharing information with your team. Utilize video conferences, email, project management tools, and internal social media platforms to keep the lines of communication open.

Implement an Efficient Feedback System

Feedback is the fuel that drives improvement. Establish an efficient feedback system where team members regularly provide input, suggestions, and constructive criticism. Make it a two-way process by offering feedback to your team as well. Constructive feedback fosters growth, motivates individuals, and enhances overall performance.

Leverage Technology

In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in communication. Invest in communication tools and platforms to streamline interactions within your organization. Project management software, instant messaging apps, and video conferencing tools make remote work and collaboration more efficient. Embrace technology enhancements to bolster your communication structure.

Promote Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Collaboration across departments leads to enhanced communication and efficiency. Encourage your team members to share knowledge beyond their areas of expertise. Cross-departmental projects and teams broaden perspectives, improve problem-solving, and foster a cohesive work environment.

Train Employees on Effective Communication Techniques

Effective communication should be a skillset honed by all team members. Conduct regular training sessions on active listening, conflict resolution, and empathy. Equipping employees with strong communication skills creates a workforce that thrives on clear and impactful interactions.

Monitor and Refine Your Communication Structure

Creating a communication structure is an ongoing process. Monitor its effectiveness regularly by seeking feedback from your team and analyzing metrics such as response times and clarity of information. Be open to making adjustments and improvements based on feedback. Remember, communication is dynamic, so your structure should be too.

By creating a well-structured communication system within your organization, you’re setting yourself up for success. Clear objectives, open dialogue, and efficient feedback mechanisms foster a harmonious work environment where everyone can thrive. Embrace technology and encourage cross-departmental collaboration to leverage the power of diverse perspectives.

Need help with understanding the communication styles of your team members? Go here to invest in a Maxwell DISC Personality Indicator, and contact me if you want to dive deep into your results. Develop that effective structure for communication in your organization and lead well!

Sources:

– Harvard Business Review: “The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback”

Apr

2023

Communication Lessons from a Recording Studio

The lights are on you. There is a teleprompter in front of you and you are talking to no one.

This was my experience recently in a professional recording studio as I had the opportunity to record videos for something I am a part of as a faculty member with the Maxwell Leadership Team. As I look back on that experience a few keys to communicating effectively come to mind.

These keys apply whether recording in a studio for a small or no audience, in front of a few people, or in front of a large audience.

Preparation

“You cannot deliver what you have not developed.” John C. Maxwell

The above quote comes from John Maxwell’s new book The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication. Leading up to the days in the studio I was spending even more time preparing. When we are communicating the key to our confidence is in our preparation. The bigger the meeting or the shorter the time we have, the more preparation we will need.

When preparing we want to consider these ideas that John Maxwell provides:

What do we want them to know?
What do we want them to do?

These are two questions that will help us gather our thoughts. I will address two other questions in the next section.

Presentation

I had the opportunity to start over when I made a mistake because my mistakes could be edited. I was stressed about how I appeared for this which is not like me. Leading up to the trip I had to get input on the proper clothing to wear.

In the first three seconds, someone sees us they make a judgment. Whether we like it or not, that judgment is influenced by how we present ourselves. Do we appear confident and professional? Do we seem credible? These are questions people are asking.

As we look at presentation we must consider John’s other two questions:

What do we want them to see?
What do we want them to feel?

These questions are not about us but what we can give to the people we are communicating with. People are moved to action by what they see in front of them or in their imagination. Not only that but action is influenced strongly in the beginning by feeling. How we present ourselves impacts how we can influence them. Our enthusiasm, energy, and the overall presentation should be considered.

Pronunciation

I realize this seems elementary. What I mean by this is how clearly I communicated mattered in the studio. Every sound was amplified. Did I present with confidence or was I sloppy in how I communicated? The words I chose and how I spoke them would forever be recorded. For that reason I had to not only prepare thoroughly as I mentioned but also communicate clearly.

When we communicate in front of others how we speak sends a message. Not only is the message easier to understand, but the quality of our pronunciation affects the impact of what we say. Part of that is the inflection we use and what we emphasize.

Examine these three areas. Which one of them do you need to improve on to be an even more effective communicator as a leader? Work one one area this week and continue to grow your communication so you grow your influence as a leader. Lead Well.

Feb

2023

Creating a Culture of Healthy Communication

I was finishing a communication workshop in an organization, and everyone was sharing their personal action step. When I got to the owner, he sat with his arms crossed and said as if a lightbulb just went off: “I need to change how I communicate.”

This was great to hear because many of our problems at work or home are rooted in communication challenges. You know how important communication is, especially in a professional setting. But did you know that how you communicate can greatly impact your productivity and relationships with colleagues? It’s true. A culture of healthy communication can make a big difference.

So, what is a culture of healthy communication? It’s all about creating an environment where everyone is comfortable speaking their mind, expressing their thoughts and ideas, and having honest conversations. It’s about listening to each other, understanding each other, and respecting each other.

Here are some tips to help you create a culture of healthy communication:

Be Respectful

Respect is vital to creating an environment of healthy communication. Always strive to respect other people’s opinions, ideas, and feelings. Listen to what they have to say and consider their opinions.

Speak Up

Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts and ideas. Everyone’s opinion matters, and it’s important for team members to share their ideas to come up with creative solutions. When you speak up, remember to refer to the first tip because we don’t want to be the opinionated know-it-all in the room.

Stay Positive

Negativity can make it difficult for people to be open and honest with each other. Try to stay positive and focus on solutions rather than problems. When coming to your team or leader with a problem, bring a few possible solutions and decide together the best option.

Encourage Open Dialogue

By following the previous tip, we will encourage this culture. Encourage team members to have open and honest conversations. Ask questions and be open to hearing different perspectives. Be attentive to how you respond because our verbal and non-verbal responses will either encourage or discourage this dialogue.

Take Feedback

Feedback is an integral part of healthy communication. Make sure to take feedback seriously and use it to improve and grow. I have heard of organizations that will have a system in place to provide feedback anonymously. However, remember how we respond to feedback will either promote or discourage this form of healthy communication.

Creating a culture of healthy communication is an important part of creating a productive and collaborative work environment. Which of these tips do you need to grow this week? Need help understanding your team’s communication style? Go here to learn about our communication impact report. Let me know any way I can help you and your team strengthen your culture with healthy communication. Lead Well!

Jan

2023

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Communication

When you think about Martin Luther King Jr., what comes to mind?

An ambassador for civil rights.

A strong leader.

Maybe it is his “I Have a Dream” speech from the Lincoln Memorial.

Without a doubt, he was an excellent communicator, and that is a skill any leader must have. Because we are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and his life on this day, I took time to watch some of his speeches¹, and here are a few principles we can gather from his communication. Read these and think of how you can apply them to your leadership.

Moral Authority

Dr. King was not a man to communicate, inspire and then sit back and watch others. He lived it out as well. Whether marching on Selma or seeing and experiencing the oppression he spoke against. Dr. King was sent to jail 29 times for civil disobedience or other charges like driving 30 in a 25.². These experiences gave him credibility and authority when he communicated. As leaders, are we communicating from experience or philosophizing?

Let me expand for a moment. We may not live out what we communicate perfectly, but are we on the journey? I may train how to communicate effectively with others during workshops, but I will admit my imperfections. Being on the journey and honest about your experience gives as much authority as “having been there.”

Passion

While preparing this, I started with Dr. King’s “March on Washington” speech. As I observed the speech, I saw he started reading his remarks for much of the time, and then as he shared his dream he was not reading. Whether reading or speaking more spontaneously, he was always passionate.

People are moved by emotion and often later justify their decisions with logic. I am not suggesting we communicate in a way that manipulates. But, if part of the job of a leader is to inspire, then we can not inspire with monotone communication. Bring your heart, bring your enthusiasm, and bring your passion. Some may not jump on board but don’t hide from your vision.

Connection

In his book Martin Luther King Jr. on Leadership, Donald Phillips examines Dr. King’s public speaking. He highlights the following principle from King’s communication:

“Speaking in the shared language of the community helps establish common ground with your audience.”

While listening to some of his speeches, I heard him trying to connect. For example, during his speech in Washington, he reminded the crowd of the oppression they experienced in different states by having firehoses shot at them or dogs let loose on them. He was attempting to connect with the people by reminding them of these circumstances.

Leaders must connect with those they are communicating with. One way is by finding common ground. If you are a leader and those you talk to feel you are “one of them,” you will struggle to connect and impact the lives of those you lead.

As you look at these three areas, what do you need to improve to communicate more effectively? Need help understanding your communication style? Go here to invest in a Maxwell DISC Personality Indicator to understand your communication style and help you connect better with those you lead. Lead well!

https://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/article/2018/04/5-of-martin-luther-king-jrs-most-memorable-speeches retrieved 1/8/2023
https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-martin-luther-king-jr#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20King%20Center,mile%2Dper%2Dhour%20zone. retrieved 1/8/2023